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How can I include electronic components in a 3D printed model (such as a drone)? Is it possible to insert them during the printing process?

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Hi, yes that is possible. Pause your print and add the electronics or make a gcode that moves your extruder off the print. I have a change filament gcode i use if I am to add nuts, bolts etc to my 3d prints.

This is a good video to see

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Hey philwade,

Its possible to pause certain 3D printers and continue the print later on so I can’t see why you would be able to do so but you must first consider a few things.

  1. Some printers automatically cancel if paused for too lon (mine quits after 3 minutes) so you’d have to check that.
  2. Consider the size of the electronics. If the printbed is too close to the roof of the printer then you may not be able to insert large electronics such as a battery.
  3. Will the electronics affect the rest of the print process. If you have electronics sticking out of a not yet complete drone part then the nozzle may knock into them which may melt electronics or cause some unusual prints if it’s restricted to move

I’d suggest that you make your drone in sections which fit together nicely so you can open sections up to insert your electronics. This way I’d miles more efficient as you can add additional electronics without having to reprint your drone round it. It also allows you to swap out parts and makes assembling the circuit in the drone a lot simpler as your not restricted by the printer, especially if your choosing to solder the wiring.

Just think of this idea like a batter access on most products. If you can open a product and access the batteries you can change them if faulty or upgraded without buying or building a new product. The same is true here.

Printing your drone in sections will make the whole process simpler and more effective. If you’d like help with designing a drone in sections I can help you out.

Hope this helps. If you need any help just let me know and I’ll see what I can do for you.

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us a filament that is conductive. Proto Pasta has some good stuff